In order to modernize their economies and enhance the delivery of public services, African countries are investing quickly in digitalization. To help with the deployment and governance of digital public infrastructure (DPI), digital public goods (DPGs), and services, many countries have created national plans and policies.
Although DPI, DPGs, and services are being used more frequently, public knowledge and engagement are still low. With financing from and in partnership with Co-Develop, the MFWA is beginning a regional media fellowship initiative for journalists in West Africa as part of its efforts to increase public awareness. The goal of this effort is to develop a pool of journalists in West Africa who possess the skills and expertise needed to produce thorough and insightful coverage of DPI/DPGs.
crease public understanding and encourage participation in the development and application of DPI/DPG policies throughout West Africa.
The MFWA is a regional independent non-governmental organisation with a network of national partner organisation in all 16 countries in West Africa. It is the biggest and most influential media development and freedom of expression organisation in the region with UN ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Consultative Status.
The three-month (September to November 2023) fellowship for the program’s chosen journalists will include seminars for training, mentoring, and story development. The recipient journalists will continue to participate in network activities and article production on DPI/DPG issues beyond the three-month fellowship. It is an open competition with a merit-based selection process. All qualifying applications will be examined beyond the deadline. After interviews with the shortlisted candidates, the choice will be made. Applications from women are encouraged.
There will be an in-person and online Fellowship. Mentors and trainers will interact remotely with Fellows for the first six weeks and the final four. Fellows will meet in Accra, Ghana during the seventh and eighth weeks of the Fellowship for additional in-person and peer-to-peer experience-sharing sessions. Each fellow is required to have written at least two noteworthy articles about DPI/DPGs by the end of the Fellowship. The publication of the fellows’ stories in their respective news media outlets will be necessary. Additionally, a certificate of participation will be given to fellows.
Benefits:
- Training and mentorship opportunities
- Monthly stipend of $500 to Fellows and $700 to fellows’ media organisations to support story production, publication and programming
- Fellows will also be eligible for DPI/DPGs Reporting Grants
- Accommodation, Feeding and Health Insurance cover during the in-person convening in Ghana
Eligibility:
- An applicant must have worked as a journalist for at least 3 years.
- Applicant journalists must be from the following countries: Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Togo.
- Be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking any of the following three languages – English or French or Portuguese
- Be available to fully participate in the fellowship
- Commit to three months of the fellowship and three months of post-fellowship DPI/DPGs activities including story production
- Be available to travel and spend two weeks in Ghana
- Be a full-time practising journalist and must be working with a credible media organisation in any of the target countries
- Applicant must have knowledge, interest or professional experience in ICTs and digitalisation issues
Application:
- Interested applicants must fill out the Fellowship application form.
- The form requires an applicant to submit a statement of interest stating why they want to participate in the fellowship (maximum of 350 words).
- And a complete CV that includes at least two referees.
- Moreover a statement of support from applicant’s media organisation.
- Lastly a copy of any national identification.
